FP1 outings crucial for Kvyat

Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat says his Friday practice appearances will prove crucial for his debut season in Formula One.

Kvyat will replace Red Bull-bound Daniel Ricciardo at Toro Rosso next season, and he is taking part in FP1 in both Austin and Brazil as part of his preparations. With the heavy testing restrictions at present, Kvyat says he knows the importance of getting track time in a current car.

"For sure now I think nowadays especially for rookies there is quite limited mileage in a Formula One car so every lap counts," Kvyat said. "I think at these two outings it will be a) really important to learn these two tracks and b) to get the extra mileage in a Formula One car and get to know the team as much as possible. So I can only see positives things in it so it's very useful for me and I think for the team as well."

Kvyat said that his promotion had been a little unexpected but that he'd grown in confidence as he'd delivered consistent results.

"It was a surprise, but not a huge one because I would say after Spa I started to believe and I was already told that there was a chance to get there. From there on I was told that I had to keep winning the races and every weekend I had at least a podium or a win, so promises have been kept and the call arrived."

With Helmut Marko central to his selection, Kvyat admitted he would have to show his ability quickly next season.

"He didn't tell me how fast he just said that I have to deliver! There is no time, there is no particular race where they expect me to do something amazing. Everybody understands that there is a time, and I plan to try to get comfortable with the car as fast as possible. It depends a lot in that, I think that's the most important part; to get confident with the car. From there on I can build."